What does the Bible say about finish the race?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers are called to persevere in faith and obedience to the end, relying not on their own strength but on God’s grace in Christ. Paul describes finishing the race as keeping the faith, with the crown of righteousness awaiting all who love Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Christians run with discipline, turning from sin and every hindrance, yet their eyes remain fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). This pursuit involves pressing toward God’s heavenly call despite unfinished growth and hardship (Philippians 3:12-14). Faithful endurance is not a way to earn salvation, but the fruit of a saving faith that God preserves.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
[24] Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. [25] Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. [26] I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, [27] but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
[7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. [8] From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
- Hebrews 12:1-2
[1] Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Acts 20:24
But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.
- Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- Galatians 5:7
You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?
- 2 Timothy 2:5
Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
- Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 3:12-14
[12] Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. [13] Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
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